NZ first port for new defence chief

New defence force chief Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin chose New Zealand for his first overseas trip because of the strength of the ANZAC relationship.

During his visit this week, he met New Zealand defence chief Lieutenant-General Tim Keating and government leaders to discuss the countries' defence priorities over the next four years.

The two defence forces will conduct a range of activities in 2014, including warship crew exchanges and joint training.

New Zealand will take part in the joint Australia-US Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2015.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin said the ANZAC relationship remained strong a century after the start of World War I, and looked forward to further enhancing it further.